I bought this phone with the 12/256GB configurations for 7 million IDR (approx. 440 USD). Why is it so expensive? Because Nothing Phones are actually not available in Indonesia. Therefore, I had to pay additional fees (import & customs fees).
First Impression
When I first got this phone in hand, I was surprised for its weight. It is so light and easy to hold, thanks to its slightly curved back cover. The design is astonishingly beautiful, that is also one of the reasons why I got this phone. The display is so bright when I first set it up, but now I’ve got used to it.
Display & Fingerprint
I know at this point, people are asking “did you get the green tint issue?”. I got the EU version which is made from China. And yes, unfortunately, I got this issue too. When the fingerprint scanner is on, the green tint exists at a low amount of brightness. When I played some SDR/HDR videos, green tint + black crush exist. This take is subjective, but I am okay with it. I don’t really use this phone for anything anyway, I still got my PC.
The display is smooth. Although, there is slightly color-shifting when there are 120 to 90/60 Hz switches.
The fingerprint scanner is quite responsive despite the effect of getting green tint 🙂
OS & Performance
This must be one of the reasons why I’m still sticking with this phone despite all of the display issues. Previously, I used realme XT with an Evolution X installed. Indonesian market doesn’t really have the “near-stock” or “stock” Android phones (yes, ASUS exists, but not with the 2 years software update man 😭).
With the dotted-serif style in the OS, I fell in love. The OS are buttery-smooth, responsive, and minimalist.
With the Dimensity 7200 Pro paired with 12GB of RAM & 256GB of storage, this phone, handles it all. I have no complaint with the performance, it runs PUBGM/BGMI at 90 FPS in TDM pretty good so far.
Glyph Interface
This is the most useful features I have ever had on a smartphone. People might think the Glyph Interface are gimmick, but imo, this feature really helps me for keeping me away from my phone. Using the Essential Notifications since the first day, it pushed me to keep being focused to the real world. *this is really a subjective take, I’m sorry 🙂
Battery
I might not get the best screen time among other Phone (2a) users, but still, this phone lasts me full day with mixed of cellular data & Wi-Fi usage. With Wi-Fi only, this phone lasts for 8-9 hours of screen time. With mobile data only, this phone lasts for 4-5 hours of screen time.
Cameras
When I first bought this phone, there is some school events that I should be participated with. I am the documentation committee, and I was quite wrong to do all of my job with this phone tbh. The shots were just fine and also meh. Inconsistent, unstable, over-exposure sometimes, and pale colors.
But interestingly, thanks to the Glyph Timer, it attracts a lot of people LOL. People are preferring this phone over a S23U because of its convenience (also gimmicky) Glyph Timer
Speakers
It is an upgrade from my realme XT. But compared with the iPhone 13, nah this phone is still far behind. It is still handling any type of contents and music genres quite good. But when there is a lot of drums or bass drops, the volume becomes unstable.
That is my thoughts with the Nothing Phone (2a) after nearly 7 months of use.
Btw, the case that I used for the photo is the Nillkin Frosted Super Sheild.
With a screen protector from Ibywind.
AMA if you wanted to or if you think there is a section that I forgot to share my thoughts with.
